Ward finding his footing

Chicago Fire defender Tim Ward was a model of progression during the team's 2009 MLS season. Most matches he showcased continual improvement in his game. Then, his season hit a brick wall when he broke his toe during the 2009 SuperLiga final against Tigres UANL.

Ward missed the latter third of the MLS regular season and Chicago's usual run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

"It was really tough," Ward said. "It just made me want to play more, having to watch so many games at the end of last season, especially the big ones and the playoffs."

Ward had a trying offseason, followed by some rough performances in the early going at the start of the 2010 season. But Ward's game appeared to be in form a couple weeks ago when the Fire topped the Houston Dynamo, 2-0. That was an encouraging sign considering how many defensive changes were made with the outside backs in the early going.